»?S1S1 




I9\9 



Author. 



Title 



Imprint. 



1«— 47372-2 OfO 



^^^5^°^^^^^^! SENATE COMMITTEE PRESTT 



TEACHING OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN 
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS 



PAMPHLET 

PREPARED BY THE 

NEW HAMPSHIRE COMMITTEE ON AMERICANIZATION 

! I 

ON THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN 
PUBLIC, PAROCHIAL, AND OTHER PRIVATE 
SCHOOLS, AND TO NON-ENGLISH- 
SPEAKING ADULTS 




I ^-Zl h'T^l 



Printed for the use of the Committee on Education and Labor 



WASHINGTON 

GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 

1919 



O; of to. 

JUN 11 1919 



An 



FOREWORD. 

The following statement can not bo questioned by any patriotic 
American, viz, that all our citizens of whatever race should be able 
to converse and do business together in one common language is 
vitally essential for good citizenship and for the well-being and the 
presoj'vation of a form of government like ours, the security of whose 
foundations rest solely on the sound public opinion of the electorate. 

There is no one thing so supremely essential to a Government such as ours, where 
decisions of such importance must be made by public opinion, as that every man 
and woman and child shall know one tongue, that each may speak to every other and 
that all may be informed. (Secretary Lane's annual report, just issued.) 

This pamphlet is compiled and printed primarily for the informa- 
tion of the citizens of New Hampshire with reference to some of the 
fiist steps taken in the attempt to provide that every man, woman, 
and child in this State shall be able to speak, read, write, and under- 
stand our national language — English. 

The work of this committee and of the State department of public 
instruction is intijnately related — in many respects identical. We 
have jointly undertaken tiie development of evening schools in the 
larger cities and towns, using modern methods of teaching. Under 
the arrangements now being perfected, some of which are shown 
herein, the success of these schools throughout the State seems to 
be assured. A full report of the development of our evening schools 
will be published in the near future. 

It is beheved that the special work of this committee should be 
continued by a department of the State public-school system, created 
by and acting under legislative authority. 

State House, 

Concord, December, 1918. 

3 



New Hampshire Committee on Americanization,. Cooperating with State 
Department op Public Instruction, Statehouse, Concord. 

Frank S. Streeter, Concord, chairman. 

E. W. Butterfield, Concord, Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Richard W. Cooney, Portsmouth, President New Hampshire Federation of Labor. 
Miss Harriett L. Huntress, Concord, Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, 

Chairman Women's Committee on Americanization. 
Mrs. R. W. Husband, Concord, Field Supervisor, Red Cross Home Service. 
Henri T. Ledoux, Nashua, Lawyer, United States Postmaster. . 
Wilfrid J. Lessard, Manchester, Lawyer. 
Right Rev. Edward M. Parker, Concord, Bishop of New Hampshire (Episcopal). 

F. W. Rahmanopp, Berlin, Superintendent Brown Co. (Berlin Mills). 

Rev. P. J. Scott, Exeter, Diocesan Superintendent Parochial Schools in New 

Hampshire. 
Winfield L. Shaw, Manchester, Vice President and General Manager W. H. McEl wain Co. 
William C. Swallow, Manchester, Employment Manager, Amoskeag Manufacturing Co. 
Ralph C. Fitts, Manchester, Secretary, Publicity Secretary W. H. McElwain Co. 
Maro S. Brooks, Executive Secretary, Superintendent Schools, Exeter. 



TEACHING OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE 

SCHOOLS. 



New Hampshire Committee on Americanization, 
correspondence of committee with right rev. george albert 

GUERTIN, D. D., BISHOP OF MANCHESTER. 

State House, 
Concord, N. H., July -26, 1918. 
Right Rev. George Albert Guertin, D. D., 

Bishop of Manchester, Manchester, N. H. 

My Dear Bishop Guertin: We inclose for your use an advance 
and confidential copy of the program of this committee to be generally 
distributed about August 20. 

The appointment and authority of this committee as a subcom- 
mittee of our New Hampshire committee on public safety, upon the 
initiative of the Federal Government through the United States 
Bureau of Education, what the term "Americanization" means, the 
work of the committee and the methods by which it hopes to 
accomplish results, are also set forth in the program. 

It is sent to you as the head, in this State, of a great historic church 
whose followers number about one-quarter of our entire people and 
whose wholesome influence over its communicants is deservedly 
great and useful. You are also the head of a system of parochial 
schools which are said to number nearly 20,000 pupils, or almost one- 
quarter of the total number of children of school age in the State. It 
is also sent to you as an American citizen whose earnest desire must 
be to promote the highest and best type of citizenship in our common 
country. 

Among, other things you wiU agree that it is vitally essential for 
such citizenship and for the well-being and perhaps the preservation 
of our form of government that every man, woman, and child in 
New Hampshire shall b6 able to speak, read, write, and understand 
our national language. 

We urgently need the powerful influence and the sympathetic and 
earnest cooperation of yourself as a stalwart American citizen as well 
as bishop of the Catholic diocese of New Hampshire, and of all the 
members of your church in this State. 

Speaking for your people in New Hampshire, will you not exert 
that influence and give us that kind of cooperation ? 

An early affirmative reply will greatly aid us. We await that reply 
with confidence that this great public work merits and will receive 
your cordial approbation. 

The committee has asked Mr. Wilfrid J. Lessard, of Manchester, to 
submit the foregoing to you and receive your personal reply for the 
committee. Believe me, 

Very sincerely, yours, 

Frank S. Streeter, 
Chairman for Committee. 



6 TEACHING OF ENGLISH IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 

State House, 
Concord, N. 11. , July 26, 1918. 
Right Eev. George Albert Guertin, D. D., 

Bishop of Manchester, Manchester, N. 11. 
My Dear Bishop Guertin: On page 2 of this committee's program 
to be distributed about August 20 — an advance and confidential copy 
being inclosed herewith — you will find copy of the four fundamental 
principles adopted at the Washington meeting called by Secretary 
Lane and held on April 3 last. Among these you w^ll note the 
following: 

4. That in all schools where elementary subjects are taught they sliould be taught 
in the English language only. 

This action initiated by our Federal Government to be made 
applicable in all the States, is in conformity with our New Hampshire 
statutes that the common English branches shall be taught in English 

In the application of that principle to the conduct of the ele- 
mentary schools in New Hampshire, including all parochial schools, 
the following statement is suggested as one that may be properly- 
approved and carried out by all having charge or control of such 
schools, namely: 

1. That in the instruction of children in all schools, including private schools, in 
reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic, grammar, gpography, physiology, history, civil 
government, music, and drawing, the English language shall be used exclusively, 
both for the purposes of instruction therein and for purposes cf general administration. 

2. The exclusive use of English for purposes of instruction and administration is 
not intended to prohibit the conduct of devotional exercises in private schools in a 
language other than English. 

3. A foreign language may be taiight in elementary schools provided the course of 
study (or its equivalent) outlined by the New Hampshire department of public in- 
struction in the common English branches— that is, in reading, writing, spelling, 
arithmetic, grammar, geography, physiology, history, civil government, miisic, and 
drawing— be not abridged but be taught in compliance v/ith the law of the State. 

We would be glad to have you, as the head of our parochial schools 
in New Hampshire, examine this general statement as it is made 
relative to the instruction and general administraticn in such schools 
and give this committee your approval of its general adoption for all 
the New Hampshire schools. 

The foregoing statement has been prepared after several confer- 
ences with prominent Catholic laymen intcrestfd in the parochial 
schools, and with Mr. Butterfield, the State superintendent of public 
instruction, and has the indorsement of the State superintendent, of 
these laymen, and of this committee, and we hope you will find it so 
drawn that you will be able to give it your cordial approval. Believe 
me, 

Very sincerely, yours, 

Frank S. Streeter, 

Chairman. 



teaching of english in public and private schools. 7 

Bishop's House, 145 Lowell Stkeet, 

Manchester, N. H., July 31, 1918. 
Hon. Frank S. Streeter, 

Concord, N. H. 
Honorable and Dear Sir: The right reverend bishop directs me 
to write that Wilfrid J, Lessard, Esq., of Manchester, has delivered to 
him two letters from you in regard to plans for Americanization. 

The right reverend bishop, who has been absent on account of 
episcopal visitation, wishes me to say that he heartily indorses the 
contents of your letter and that his personal letter expressing his 
approbation will be sent to you in a few days through Wilfrid J. 
Lessard, Esq. I beg to remain, honorable and dear sir. 
Yours, sincerely, 

J. S. Buckley, D. C. L., 

Chancellor. 



Bishop's House, 145 Lowell Street, 

Manchester, N. H., August 2, 1918. 
Hon. Frank S. Streeter, 

Chairman New Hampshire Committee on Americanization, 
State House, Concord, N. H. 

Honorable and Dear Mr. Streeter: I am in receipt, at the 
hands of Wilfrid J. Lessard, Esq., of Manchester, of your communi- 
cations dated July 26, 1918, with inclosures. 

In reply to your communications I would state that the Bishop of 
Manchester may be relied upon always to give his cordial approval 
and his staunch support to any movement that may help to make 
men practical Christians and loyal citizens. Any action that may 
assist parents to bring up their children in the fear and love of God 
and in respect for and obedience to all lawfully constituted authority 
must have the encouragement and influence of every Catholic bishop. 

As true education should procure for man the means of developing 
his whole being in the attainment of the end for which he was destined 
by the Creator and as man is a composite being, in whom the body is 
the handmaid of the soul, so education, while riot neglecting the means 
requisite for a man's physical and mental well-being, must provide 
means for his moral training. Such education has for its basic 
principle the words of our Divine Master: "Render to Csesar the 
things that are Csesar's; and to God the things that are God's." 
And obedience to this fundamental principle begets not only true 
love and sincere service of God, but also loyal citizenship and self- 
sacrificing patriotism. For in the light of this principle the very 
acquittal of our obligations toward the State and the Nation is truly 
the fulfillment of a duty toward Almighty God Himself. 

Therefore, as the bishop of Manchester, with the responsibility for 
the souls of the citizens of our great State committed to my care, 
with the obligation, as a citizen, of serving God by seeking the welfare 
of our State and our Nation, I most cordially approve of and willingly 
lend my cooperation to any movement in accordance with the funda- 
mental principle of education, "Render to CaBsar the things that are 
Csesar's; and to God, the things that are God's." 



8 TEACHING OF ENGLISH IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 

I have read carefully, dear Mr. Chairman, the three articles namely; 

1. That in the instruction of children in all schools, includins: private schools, in 
reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic, grammar, geography, physiology, history, civil 
government, music and dra\Aing, the English language shall be used exclusively, both 
for the purposes of instruction therein and for purposes of general administration. 

2. The exclusive use of English for purposes of instruction and administration is not 
intended to prohibit the conduct of devotional exercises in private schools in a language 
other than English. 

3. A foreign language may be taught in elementary schools provided the course of 
Btudy (or its equivalent) outlined by the New Hampshire department of public in- 
struction in the common English branches — that is, in reading, writing, spelling, 
arithmetic, grammar, geography, physiology, history, civil government, music, and 
drawing — be not abridged but be taught in compliance Avith the law of the State. 

By which the fourth general principle on Americanization, namely — 

4. That in all schools where elementary subjects are taught they should be taught in 
the English language only — 

is explained and interpreted by the New Hampshire Committee on 
Americanization, and to that explanation and interpretation of the 
fourth principle on Americanization by the New Hampshire commit- 
tee, I give my cordial approval for adoption in all New Hampshire 
schools. I am, honorable and dear Mr. Streeter, 
Yours, sincerely, 

George Albert Guertin, 

Bishop of Manchester. 

State House, 
Concord, N. H., August IJf., 1918. 
Right Rev. George Albert Guertin, D. D., 

Bishop of Manchester, Manchester, N. H. 
My Dear Bishop Guertin : I have yours of the 2d instant, assuring 
this committee of your earnest and sympathetic aid in carrying on its 
work; also expressing your cordial approval of the principle adopted 
at Washington (4. That in all schools where elementary subjects are 
taught, they should be taught in the English language only) as the 
same is explained and interpreted in the three articles submitted in 
ours of the 26th ultimo. 

In behalf of the committee, let me express our gratification at your 
assurance of a sympathetic support for our general work; also that a 
mutual understanding so harmonious and satisfactory to all con- 
cerned has been reached with reference to the question of teaching 
English in all our schools. 
Very truly, yours, 

Frank S. Streeter, Chairman. 

APPOINTMENT OF DiOCESAN SUPERINTENDENT OF PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS. 

On October 13, 1918, Right Rev. Bishop Guertin informed the 
chairman of the Committee on Americanization that he had appointed 
Rev. P. J. Scott, rector of St. Michael's Church, Exeter, N. H., to the 
office of diocesan superintendent of parochial schools throughout the 
State of New Hampshire, closing his letter with the following state- 
ment : 

I feel satisfied that, with a thorough understanding and a sympathetic willingness 
to work together in harmony, there exists no reason why the public and parochial 
schools of New Hampshire can not place our beloved State in the foremost rank in 
matters educational and patriotic. 



TEACHING OF ENGLISH IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 9 

REPORT OF CONFERENCE ON EVENING SCHOOLS, OCTOBER 31, 1918. 

On October 31 a conference of school superintendents, chairmen 
•of school boards, and others was held at Representatives' Hall, 
State House, Concord, the Right Rev. Bishop Guertin being repre- 
sented at that conference by the Rev. J. S. Buckley, D. C. L., 
chancellor of the diocese of Manchester, and by the Rev. P. J. Scott, 
■diocesan superintendent of parochial schools in New Hampshire. 

The notice of the conference stated that there would be a thorough 
consideration of the subject of evening schools and the use of effective 
modern methods in carrying on such schools successfully in this 
State; also that the Federal Government urges the maintenance of 
such schools for non-English speaking people as an essential part of 
the program of war and'postwar activities. 

Notice was also given that after lunch there would be an informal 
general discussion of the most effective modern methods of teaching 
;and that Miss Mary Mugan, assistant superintendent of schools of 
Fall River, Mass., a highly competent and experienced expert, would 
organize a class from those present and practically exemplify such 
methods of teaching. 

The Manchester Union of November 1 contained the following 
news report of the conference: 

Impression of a Going Concern, 
feature of big americanization conference held at concord. 

Concord, October SI. 

The State department of public instruction, religion, industry, Dartmouth College, 
'O'ganized la bor, and many other interests of great influence were represented at a 
meeting in epresentatives' Hall and the Eagle Hotel tr-day, called and presided 
oyer by Ge Frank S. Streeter, chairman on Americanization, and devoted to a 
discussion 6 Americanization through the teaching of English to the new Americans, 
who used to be called "foreigners." 

In a day packed with interesting things, the special feature was an exemplification 
of modern evening school methods of teaching English by Miss Mary Mugan. assistant 
superintendent of schools of Fall River, Mass.. a most illuminating demonstration, 
in which the audience was carried right through a lesson in a way calculated to fix it 
in mind. 

The meeting opened at 11 o'clock in Representatives' Hall and was attended by a 
large number of instructors and superintendents and representatives of the chuix-h 
and of industry. It was at once a general meeting, a conference, and a school of 
instruction. 

Gen. Streeter spoke briefly, explaining the work of the Committee on Americaniza- 
tion in New Hampshire, developing the idea that the teaching of English to the foreign- 
speaking peoples is the first step toward their complete Americanization, and out- 
lining the process by which the work of the committee had been built up around the 
State department of public instruction. He then called upon the State superin- 
tendent, E. W. Butterfield. 

Mr. Butterfield's brief talk was, in a way, a revelation. It was addressed to the 
teachers and superintendents present and proceeded upon the assumption that the 
machinery of education in English was already in operation. His was a practical 
talk on methods of procedure to men already at work and was calculated to give the 
impression that was deepened as the meeting went on. 

The superintendent was followed by M. R. Brooks, of Exeter, who is organizing the 
work of the committee in the schools and who gave another practical talk, amplifying 
and applying certain general principles outlined by the superintendent. Then he 
answered questions, and once more the idea of a going concern was pressed home. 
The questions were numerous, practical, and pointed — questions of men who are at 
work. 

Ralph C. Fitts, of Manchester, a member of the committee staff and connected with 
one of the greater industries, the McElwain concern, spoke to the industrial employers 
present, showing their part in the Americanization undertaking. 



10 TEACHING OF ENGLISH IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 

Manchester's program. 

' Then Superintendent of Schools Herbert Ij. Taylor, of Manchester, gave a most 
interesting account of the process by which Manchester has prepared to go into this 
business in a big way and to open its evening schools within a few days with a staff of 
more than 200 carefully selected teachers who have taken a normal course in the modern 
methods of teaching Fnglish. He closed a thoroughly enioyable and informing 
familiar talk with the vigorous remark that if wilhthe people in their present state of 
mind and with all the forces available for pushing of the evening schools and the 
Fnglish-teaching program through to success, the thing is not done now, it can't be 
done for many years to come. 

And throughout the superintendent's stirring talk this idea that the thing was 
going got firmer hold. 

At its close Gen. Streeter invited his guests to the Eagle Hotel for luncheon, and 
it was at the tables that one got the idea of pretty much the whole State back of this 
moA^ement. When one saw the superintendent of public instruction, the Episcopal 
bishop of New Hamrshire, the chancellor of the Catholic diocese and the super- 
intendent of the Catholic parochial schools the president of Dartmouth College, 
representatives of organized labor and of the Federation of Women's ( lubs the 
general manager of the McElwain plant in Manchester, representatives of the Amos- 
keag Manufacturing Co., the president of the Manchester Board of Commerce, the 
president and secretary of the New Hampshire Manufacturers' Association, and 
scores of other men and women, all representative all connected with organizatiors 
or institutions of immense influence and all gathered around the head of the New 
Hampshire Committee on Americanization, one could not escape the idea of a tre- 
mendous force at work. 

Luncheon over, Gen. Streeter introduced Miss Mugan, whose instructive talk 
has already been referred to. At its close the speaker answered literally scores of 
questions. 

Miss Mugan was followed by Rev. Father P. J. Scott, superintendent of parochial 
schools in New Hampshire, who gave a fine talk on the general theme of fair play 
for the new Americans and a spirit of cooperation with them. In the course of his 
stirring remarks he made one of the hits of the whole day with the remark that "we 
must begin by Americanizing the Americans " getting all Americans to understand 
that America is greater than any of its racial stocks. 

President Hopkins of Dartmouth, followed with a brief, pithy address, filled with 
illustrations of the practical effects of Americanization by process of education in 
English observed by him in the course of his service as assistant to the Secretary of 
War in the military camps the steel mills and in his dealings with the trade-unions 
that promote English speaking. He closed with a statement of the two theories of 
education, one of which would highly cultivate the select few. the other concerning 
itself mth the leveling up of the mass and took the ground that in America both 
could be operative but that the latter is of prime importance. 

The last speaker was W. L. Shaw general manager of the McElwain plant in Man- 
chester who gave a typical after-dinner talk, packed with pleasantries but deeply 
serious in undertone, and built around the idea of the responsibility resting upon the 
employers of men to deal with their men as men. 

Concerning this conference the following editorial appeared in the 
Manchester Union November 1. 

FOR AMERICA. 

Dull indeed were he who could sit through yesterday's meeting in Concord, listen 
to the burning words of men and women who are working for America bj^ striving for 
the Americanization of all her new sons and daughters, and not visualize a finer 
America as all our people are gradually brought to the knowledge of a common tongue. 
But there were no dull minds there, and the vision came to and laid hold upon all 
those earnest men and women. 

Somehow, we never go to one of these Concord meetings that we do not associate 
it with that other great gathering in Representatives' Hall, almost on the eve of the 
declaration, in March, 1917,' when the New Hampshire Legislature, and hundreds 
of New Hampshire's sons and daughters, passed out of peace into war — ^when the 

1 Rftfprrin.g to the mcmornble meeting in Representatives' Hali on March 20, 1017, at. which the Hon. 
GeorL'c W. \Vickersham, upon invitation of both houses of the the New Ilamp.shire Legislature, and under 
the auspi'PS of the New Hampshire Defense League, gave a most thrillini; address on the necessity of "Pre- 
paredness" and aroused the entire State to the urgent need of providing for the national defense. 



TEACHING OF ENGLISH IN PUBLIC AND PKIVATE SCHOOLS. 11 

State entered the war. Then onr thoughts were upon preparedness, recruiting, food, 
munitions, coming battles, death and wounds, boundless charity for relief work — 
everything relating to war. Who of us on that wonderful day so much as thought of 
the splendid things that were coming to us because of the war, of the new brotherhood, 
the new fellowship of service, the new joy of giving? Wlio among us so much as 
thought that in a few months we should see, as a direct result of the war, the begin- 
nings of an organized movement, backed by every influence for good in the whole 
State, looking to the closer union of all our people by familiarity with a common 
speech? 

Yet this is what we saw yesterday, and it is the aspect of the support of the move- 
ment that we wish to speak about. It is solid. Yesterday's meeting enabled us to 
Bee this. The State, acting through its department of public instruction; the Cath- 
olic Church, that ministers to the spiritual needs of most of our foreign-speaking new 
Americans; the industries of the State, that employ most of them; the Protestant 
Church, represented yesterday by its Episcopal bishop; Dartmouth College, whose 
president addressed the meeting, not only as college president, but also as assistant 
to the Secretary of War in charge of industrial relations; organized labor, and many 
other institutions were represented there. All these powerful influences are back 
of and cooperating with the New Hampshire Committee on Americanization. 

This thing is no longer a dream. It is a fact. The State, religion, education, 
industry, and labor are mustering their forces and throwing them into the Work of 
leading our new Americans into a knowledge of our speech. To this array of strength 
may be added the press of New Hampshire, for which we feel at perfect liberty to 
speak. With all these forces for good going out to meet our people who are seeking 
the way to the full benefits of Amercian citizenship, what can prevent the gradual 
dissemination of a knowledge of the English tongue among our entire foreign-speaking 
population through the media of the day schools, public and parochial, and evening 
schools especially equipped for this purpose? 

And it may be said that our own New Hampshire is already well on the way to 
taking a place among the first rank of States in this work for America. It is splendid. 

RIGHT REV. BISHOP GUERTIN's LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS TO THE 
CLERGY OF HIS DIOCESE. 

One of the most progressive and history-making documents of our 
day, looking to the carrying of the great lessons of the war into the 
days of peace, is the letter of instructions sent to all the priests of 
the diocese by Right Rev. George Albert Guertin, Roman Catholic 
bishop of Manchester, under date of November 15, 1918. Since July 
the Committee on Americanization has been in close relations with 
Bishop Guertin regarding the teaching of English in the parochial 
schools. The bishop's letter, which is printed below, establishes for 
the parochial schools of the diocese a uniform course of studies pat- 
terned after the requirements of the State department of public in- 
struction and based upon the interpretation of the fourth principle 
of Americanization adopted by the committee, 'the State superin- 
tendent of public instruction, and the bishop, and mutually agreed 
upon as a working basis for the application of said principle in aU 

New Hampshire schools. 

Bishop's House, 
Manchester, N. H., November 15, 1918. 

E-EVBRBND AND Dear Father: The advent of peace and the complete vindication 
of the fundament^l principles for whose defense our beloved country entered the 
world war are subjects for the expression of our fervent gratitude to the God of all 
justice to whom na^ions, not less than individuals, must reader an account. Toward 
the attainment of this glorious achievement the faithful of our diocese have contributed 
an honorable share, a record of loyalty and generosity in which their zealous pastors 
may take a legitimate pride. 

We are convinced that in all measures designed to perpetuate the blessings thus 
secured to our country, the same spirit of loyal cooperation will be ever manifest. 
To one of these measiires we wish to direct your particular and prompt attention.. 



12 TEACHING OF ENGLISH IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 

The movement of Americanization having for its object ' ' to unite in a common citi- 
zenship under one flag all the peoples of America" is a movement to which every 
one who makes his home within the borders of the United States must subsciibe. 
From the State House you have received a copv of the program of the New Hampshire 
Committee on Americanization, and for that document we bespeak yoia* earnest and 
prayerful study. To bring about the desired union, the ability of all who dwell 
permanently within oiu' State to speak a common language — English — is a necessary 
first step. To this end we would urge all pastors to encourage attendance at evening 
school by all parishioners who may be wanting in knowledge of the English tongue. 

The position of our parochial schools in this matter is clearly set forth in the corre- 
spondence between the bishop of Manchester and the New Hampshire Committee 
on Americanization, through its chairman, Hon. Frank S. Streeter. Therein you 
will find the fourth fundamental principle of Americanization adopted at a meeting 
of the governors and chairmen of committees on public safety, called bv Secretary 
Lane and held in Washington on April 3, 1918, namely, "that in all schools where 
elementary subjects are taught they sliouldibe taught in the English language only," 
clearly explained and interpreted by the New Hampshire Committee on American- 
ization and the State superintendent of public instruction, approved by the 1 ishop 
as explained and interpreted and mutually agreed upon as a worldng basis for the 
application of said principle in all New Hampshire schools. This interpretation is 
as foltows: 

"1. That in the instruction of children in all schools, including private schools, in 
reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic, grammar, geography, physiology, history, civil 
government, music, and drawing, the English language shall be used exclusively, 
both for the purposes of instruction therein and for purposes of general administration. 

"2. The exclusive use of English for purposes of instruction and administration is 
not intended to prohibit the conduct of devotional exercises in private schools in a 
language other than English. 

"3. A foreign language may be taught in elementary schools provided the course 
of study (or its equivalent) outlined by the New Hampshire department of public 
instruction in the common English branches — that is, in reading, writing, spelling, 
arithmetic, grammar, geography, physiology, history, civil government, music, and 
drawing— be not abridged but taught in compliance with the laws of the State." 

Thesa three articles as approved by us admit of no evasion or equivocation. Th°y 
arc intended to serve as the foundation of a working program for our schools and their 
incorporation into that program demands the suiTender of nothing that is vital to the 
well-being and progress of any Catholic school. Due provision is made for religious 
instruction and for the teaching of any language that may be desired in addition to 
the course of studies (or its equivalent) outlined by the New Hampshire department 
of public instruction. 

This program must be carried out in all the schools of our diocese, and we charge the 
conscience of pastors and all others having the care of schools to take v-hatever steps 
may be necessary to put it into execution as promptly as conditions -will permit. A 
full measure of good will on your part and reasonable time will solve all problems of 
detail which may arise. In all such problems both pastors and teachers may look to 
the Rev. P. J. Scott, diocesan superintendent of schools, for sympathetic aid and direc- 
tion. To him we have delegated full authority for the supervision of all schools 
within our diocese. He is hereby directed and empowered to make an immediate 
and complete survey of the school situation and, after full consultation with the rev- 
erend pastors and heads of schools, to formulate a universal course of studies to be 
followed by all primary schools under our jurisdiction. The important work thus 
confided to him Father Scott takes up in obedience to authority and with the sole 
desire to promote the welfare of church and State. To the end that such service may 
produce the beneficial results to which we all look forward, the diocesan superintend- 
ent of schools must be given by all with whom he is to labor the attention and cooper- 
ation consonant with the responsibilities of his ofiice. 
Your humble servant in Christ, 

George Albert Gttertin, 

Bishop of Manchester. 

Jeremiah S. Buckley, D. C. L., 

Chancellor. 



TEACHIl^G OF E]STGLISH IIST PUBLIC AND PKIVATE SCHOOLS. 13 

Coincident with the pubhcation of the foregoing letter from Bishop 
Guertin in the newspapers of the State, the Manchester Union con- 
tained the following editorial under date of November 20: 

AN HISTORIC EVENT. 

It is with pleasure that the Union records to-day the first constructive act looking to 
the application of the great lessons of the war to the problems of the coming days of 
peace — the history-making order of the bishop of the diocese of Manchester requiring 
the use of the English language for instruction in a State-wide parochial course of study 
patterned after that required by the State department of public instruction, while still 
preserving the use of foreign languages for instruction in these languages and for the 
purposes of devotion. 

We hardly got into the war when it ended, and the question whether or not we had 
been really gripped by the conflict, really moved by it so that we should be profoundly 
affected by it, arose instantly upon' the signing of the armistice. Here is the first 
answer to the question. While we are still in the partial bewilderment of surprise, 
and have hardly grasped the fact of peace, it develops that the vision of " a common 
citizenship, under one flag, of all the peoples of America," and of a common language, 
English, as a means of this union, has arisen as an attainable thing before the eyes of 
the bishop of Manchester, and that in the days of the war he had so completely cleared 
away the primary obstacles to the realizing of the vision that he could signalize the 
return of peace by putting into effect his carefully made plans for a transformation of 
the educational process in the schools under his charge. 

It is a matter of good hope that on the very threshold of peace there should be this 
great constructive act, at once incentive and precedent for others looking to the effect- 
ing of a " more perfect union " of the people of the United States. 

There are so many aspects of this splendid act that one is almost at a loss to write 
upon it within the compass of a necessarily brief editorial article, but one stands out 
so conspicuously as to compel admiring comment. The basic need for the welding of 
our polyglot people into a new union founded in knowledge of a common tongue, a 
need long understood, became imperative once we faced war. The situation need 
not be reviewed — ^we are all familiar with it. The fine fact to get firmly in mind is 
that once the problem took shape, the men of New Hampshire upon whom the solu- 
tion necessarily devolved set about their task. With statesmanlike visign, with un- 
measured good will, with high purpose to seek and attain that which should be of 
lasting good to the individual, the State, and the Nation, the New Hampshire Com- 
mittee on Americanization and the leader of the Catholic Church, whose spiritual 
charges are vitally concerned, worked hand in hand through months of painstaking 
study and preparatory labor, and in the end achieved a result which places New 
Hampshire in the very front rank of the Americanization movement. 

It is true that the result achieved is but the beginning of results. The educational 
plan remains to be applied. What lies ahead is a process. The full fruitage of the 
tree that is being planted in this our day will be gathered by men of other days. 
But a definite beginning has been made. For the good of church and state, for the 
good of countless boys and girls, for America, that has been done which in the course 
of time will give to every child in New Hampshire the benefits of a standardized 
elementary education, and a practical working knowledge of the language of the 
Nation's laws and business intercourse. We believe that in the coming days meni 
will look back upon this week as the beginning of a new era in New* Hampshire. 

New Hampshire Committee on Americanization, 

State House, 
Concord, December 5, 1918. 
A careful reading of the correspondence of this committee with; 
Bishop Guertin and the letter of November 15 from the bishop to 
all the priests of his diocese leaves no doubt as to the meaning and 
intent of all parties. The following editorial by George L. Kibbee 
is taken from the Manchester Union of November 21, 1918: 

HOW IT WORKS OUT. 

The first impression made by Bishop Guertin's letter to the priests of the diocese, 
relative to the new educational plan for the parochial schools is that of its immense- 
significance — then certain questions arise. How is the plan going to work out? Does 
it take anything away from anybody? Does it relate to religion? Does it require 



14 TEACHING OF ENGLISH IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 

that we become a people of only one speech? And all these and many more questions 
are answered by the history-making document. 

In the first place, the Americanization program explicitly safeguards the religious 
beliefs and practices of those concerned. The working agreement contains a clause 
which pro^^.de^ that the exclusive use of English in instruction in the standardized 
course, and for administrative purposes is not intended to prohibit the conduct of 
devotional exercises in a language other than English. 

Nor is it intended — let us say, it is not desired — to discourage in any way the use 
of fireign tongues. The purpose is not to restrict Americans to one language — it 
is simply to make them all familiar with one language, that of our laws. We desire 
that all the others shall be preserved, and that their enriching influences may be 
exerted upon our society and our literature. 

The educational plan takes nothing from anybody. It asks nobody to give up the 
language of his racial stock, or the literature that enshrines the ideas and ideals of 
his people. It gives, instead of taking. It adds a language to the mental equipment 
of those who are benefited by it and takeb none away. It will make no man smaller, 
narrower, less competent in any way, but will make broader and more competent 
by adding a useful tool to the working outfit of many of our men. 

Resolutions of New Hampshire Federation of Labor in support of 
work of New Hampshire Committee on Americanization, adopted at 
annual meeting, Kaene, N. H., July IS, 1918. 

Whereas the Federal Government has intrusted to the United States Bureau of Educa- 
tion a more thorough Americanization of our foreign-born people, and at the reciuest 
of the Bureau of Education our New Hampshire Committee on Public Safety has 
created a Committee on Americanization to carry on this important work in New 
Hampshire, and 
Whereas said committee is acting in close cooperation with the State department of 
pulilic instruction in preparing plans to carry out the following general proposals 
which were adopted at a meeting called by Secretary Lane and held in Washington 
on April 3, 1918, namely: 

"1. The adoption of the policy that the Federal Government should cooperate 
with States and through the States with the local communities in carrying on an 
exten3ive, intensive, and immediate program of Americanization through educa- 
tion, especially for non-English-speaking, foreign-born adults. 

"2. That the industries employing large numbers of non-English-speaking, 
foreign-born persons should cooperate with local communities, State and Federal 
Governments in carrying out this proposition. 

"3. That adequate appropriations should be provided by the Congress to be 
expended through appropriate Governmental agencies for the foregoing purposes. 
"4. That in all schools where elementary subjects are taught they should be 
taught in the English language only. " 

Let us not go Avrong in our thinking at this point. There is neither purpose nor 
desire to lose the foreign languages out of our American life. It is the purpose of the 
educational plan in which the diocese is cooperating to promote the essential union 
of Americans by enabling all of them to converse, and do business together in one 
common language. Its purpose is to enrich as well as to unify American life, not to 
impoverish it. 

The foregoing so clearly and sympathetically interprets the spirit 
as well as the letter of the written words that we reprint it here as a 
definite and complete expression of the understanding of all con- 
cerned. 

Frank S. Steeeter, 
Chairman Americanization Committee. 
Ernest W. Butterfield, 
State Superintendent of Public Instruction. 
Rev. p. J. Scott, 
Diocesan Superintendent of Parochial Schools. 

Now. therefore, be it 

Residied by the New ITarnvsMre Federation of Labor in convention assembled. That this 
federation most heartily indorse the foregoing proposals adopted at said Washington 
meeting and pledge our cordial support to the Committee on Americanization and the 

Sub lie-school officials in their efforts to carry said proposals into practical eflect in 
ew Hampshire. 



TEACHING OF ENGLISH IN PUBLIC AND PKIVATE SCHOOLS. 15 

2. That this federation and its officers will urge all its members to encourage all 
non-English-speaking in this State to read, write, and speak English; to influence, so 
far as practicable, every present member of oi.r local unions, who does not speak 
English, to register at a night school; to urge upon school and city authorities their 
support of the educational program suggested by the Americanization Committee of 
the State of New Hampshire. 

3. That the incoming executive board be instructed by the convention to recom- 
mend rules that all future applicants for membership in affiliated local unions shall 
be encouraged to speak and read or write the English language understandingly. 

4. And be it. further 

Resolved, That the executive board be instructed to cooperate with the New Hamp- 
shire Americanization Committee. 

New Hampshire State Federation of Labor. 
Richard \\ . Cooney, President. 
Charles H. Bean, Secretary-Treasurer. 

SIGNIFICANT ACTION OF NEW YORK STATE FEDERATION OF LABOR. 

At the Fifty-fifth annual convention of the New York State Fed- 
eration of Labor, recently held at Rochester, N. Y., the following 
rule or principle was adopted on recommendation of the Committee 
on Education, viz : 

Acquisition of a fair knowledge of the American language by continuous shop and 
school instruction, supervised by State educational authorities, to be required of all 
■ employed foreign-language aliens, as a condition of continued employment. 

RESOLUTIONS OF NEW HAMPSHIRE MANUFACTURERS' ASSOCIATION. 

On December 5, 1918, the following resolutions were adopted by 
the executive committee of the New Hampshire Manufacturers' 
Association, with the approval of the board of directors: 

Resolved, That the New HampsMre Manufacturers' Association heartily indorses 
the fundamental principle that the indrstries of the State of New Hami)sliire should 
do everything in their power to bring about as rapidly as possible the condition that 
all employees should be able to speak, read, write, and understand the English 
language. 

2. That the manufacturers of New Hampshire stand ready and willing to cooperate 
with the New Hampshire Committee on Americanization, with the schools, and with 
all other public activities in this direction. 

3. That the maniiacturers do this, recognizing that such a position is justified not 
only on social grounds but because it is for tlie welfare of the mam ■. factoring indi stries 
themselves and for their future success that such a condition should be brought about. 

New Hampshire Manufacturers' Association. 
F. P. Lyons, President. 
Frank A. French, Secretary. 

RcsoUitions of the Association Canado-Americaine,^ approving tho 
work of the Now Hampshire Committee on Americanization, adopted 
at a meeting of the high court, Manchester, N. H., December 11, 1918: 

Whereas the Association Canado-Americaine by its constitution, article 3, section A, 
proclaims that one of its objects is "to unite in common action people of French 
descent with a view to their religious, social, and economical development"; 

Whereas the Americanization movement aims to unite in one civic spirit all the citizens 
of the Republic by means of a common language, English; 

1 The Association Oanado-Amdri-'aine is the larg?st Framo-Araeri^an fraternal order in New Hampshire. 
It has a total memlDsrsbip of 13,000 men and women. 8,000 of whom are residents m this State. The head- 
cniarters are in Manchester and local courts are organized in pra^ti 'ally ail of the Fren-'h-speaking groups in 
New Hampshire. It has already app'^inted a committee on Americanization, composed of its ab est execu- 
tives, and its sympatheti:: cooperation with the State committee, as above provided for, can not fail to 
promote greatly the success of the Americanization work in this State. 



16 TEACHING OF ENGLISH IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 

WTiereas the interpretation and application of the principles of Americanization 

conform to the aims of the Association Canado- Am^ricaine ; 
Whereas it befits a Catholic society to follow the leadership of its bishop and a Franco- 
American society to affirm both its American patriotism and its fidelity to its origin: 
Resolved, That the high court of the Association Canado-Am^ricaine assembled at 
Manchester on the 11th day of December, 1918. gives its approval to the program of 
Americanization as set forth in the correspondence between the Right Rev. George 
Albert Guertin and the Hon. Frank S. Streeter, chairman of the New Hampshire 
Committee on Americanization. 

Resolved, That the Association Canado-Am^ricaine desires the organization of evening 
schools and urges attendance on the part of those who would profit thereby. 

Resolved, That through its official organ, Le Canado-Americaine and in its public 
meetings, the Association Canado-Americaine strive to promote the work of American- 
ization as interpreted by civil and religious authority. 

A. A. E. Brten, M. D., 

General President. 
Henri Langelier. 

General Secretary 

o 



